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In today’s post, I want to discuss living in Panama. In particular — where do expats generally choose to live?
(To clarify – I am referring to English-speaking expats, as opposed to expats that have moved to Panama from Venezuela, Colombia or other Latina American countries).
To some extent, this depends on what type of expats we refer to. I would say that there are four general classes of expats:
- expats who are here working for multinationals or for a foreign government (embassy staff, etc.)
- those who retired to Panama
- expats who move to Panama permanently, looking to set up a business or new life in Panama and fully intending to integrate into Panamanian society as permanent residents
- semi-permanent travellers – here for the overseas experience, working for a couple of years. Possibly here for a job or project, but open to staying or going.
Living in Panama
Depending on what type of expat you are, this will influence greatly where you live.
Embassy or Multinational executives
For example, those working for multinationals or embassies quite often have their housing paid for by the company or embassy. This imposes some restrictions on where they can live. These decisions might be influenced by:
- commuting distances
- availability of schools for their children
- housing allowance budgets
Typically, these are restricted to Panama City and most of the communities are around:
- Albrook
- Clayton
- Costa del Este
- Punta Pacifica
That’s not to say that you cannot live in another part of Panama City. Nonetheless, these are the areas that are most convenient for work and schools.
Retiring to Panama
I would guess that this is probably the biggest group of expats in Panama overall. It is also the most diverse group in terms of needs and desires. Some live at the beach. Others prefer to cooler weather offered by the mountains. Still others living in Panama choose the city or in special communities.
At a guess, I would say that the most typical choices are:
- Coronado (or neighbouring communities)
- Boquete
- El Valle
- Pedasi
Other similar climates or choices might be:
- Altos del Maria
- Cerro Azul
- Río Hato communities (not much further along the coast from Coronado)
- Volcán
Expats living in Panama to set up business
This is a very diverse group, and their choices depend greatly on their skills and the communities where they could put them to best use. Often, they move to Panama with the idea of meeting a need – solving a problem that they have identified in supply & demand. So, for example, you might see them farming gourmet coffee in the highlands, building gated or special communities just for expats, or growing moringa in Darien.
I would expect to find these expats living anywhere throughout Panama, where they have discovered a niche market and are solving that problem for clients.
Living the overseas experience
Another totally diverse group is those who are living their overseas experience, doing a working holiday or trying their hand at house-sitting internationally. While there are many in Panama City – teaching at international schools or working from home in a myriad of online jobs – there are just as many travelling throughout diverse parts of Panama.
So, you might find some working in Bocas del Toro, or up in Boquete, as well as in Pedasi.
Choosing where to live
The best practical advice I can give you when choosing where to live in Panama is the following:
- Have a really good look at your needs and what you consider is non-negotiable
- Climate (can you handle the humidity or do you require a drier climate)
- Shopping options
- Distance to international airports
- Internet connection speed
- Support services
- Health & medical facilities
- Work opportunities / business ventures
- Rent before you buy – find out whether or not the community really is for you. This will give you the opportunities to check out whether or not you really do enjoy the lifestyle that community offers and whether the amenities are all they were sold to be. This will also give you an opportunity to check out the weather in the wet season – which
- Do your homework – on the ground – in the community. If you are purchasing in a gated community – talk to other members of the community about any HOA issues that they may have experienced. Find out if there’s that one dud neighbour that you need to make sure you are not living next door to.
- By all means – check out the online forums. Especially the local discussion forums specific to the given community. Ask questions (after you’ve done appropriate searches in the forum. «asked & answered»).
For legal advice regarding living in Panama – please get in touch with us! As lawyers in Panama, we are happy to assist you in relocating to Panama.